Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

English

Pronunciation

• enPR: ŭn"də(r)-stănd', IPA: /ˌʌn.də(r)ˈstænd/, SAMPA: /%Vnd@(r)"st{nd/
•  Audio (US)^{help, file}
• Rhymes: -ænd
• Hyphenation: un‧der‧stand

Etymology

Middle English understanden from Old English understandan (“‘to understand’”) from under- "between" + standan (“‘to stand’”), akin to O.Fris. understonda, M.Dan. understande, Dutch onderstaan

Verb

to understand (third-person singular simple present understands, present participle understanding, simple past and past participle understood)

1. (transitive) To be aware of the meaning of.

   I understand German.

   I received your note, but I did not understand it.

2. To believe, based on information.

   I understand that you have information for me.

3. To impute meaning, character etc. that is not explicitly stated.

   But we cannot disappoint Grandma and Grandpa Smith, and that is what family is all about! Do you understand?!

   In this sense, the word is usually used in the past participle:

   In the imperative mood, the word “you” is usually understood.

4. To apply values (axioms).

Usage notes

• Objects: text, word, sentence, note, etc.

Synonyms

• (to know the meaning): apprehend, comprehend, grasp, know, perceive, realise, grok
• (to believe): believe

Antonyms

• misunderstand

Derived terms

• I don’t understand
• understandable
• understanding
• understood

Translations

See also

• explain
• why

External links

• understand in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913
• understand in The Century Dictionary, The Century Co., New York, 1911